Cover The living room of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
The living room of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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Explore this Los Angeles home renovated by House of Rolison, which balances neoclassical charm with the comforts of modern living
Amid the rolling hills of Los Angeles, a dynamic transformation has taken place in a historic property. Meticulously reimagined by the team behind House of Rolison, Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn, this quiet artefact in the hills honours its architectural heritage while embracing contemporary California living.
“There was an old-world charm to the place that drew us in at first glance,” mused Leigh. The rooms flowed seamlessly into each other, reflecting the original architect’s intuitive understanding of proportion and flow that retains usability today. For Leigh, “the soul [of the home] was still there, just covered. We knew that if we peeled everything back and let the architecture breathe again, the house would reveal something special. And that is exactly what happened.”
The home was also restored in partnership with Sam and Claire O’Connor of O’Connor Estates, who shared Leigh’s enthusiasm for the Los Angeles property. “Beneath the years of wear, we saw a structure with an unmistakable soul and a beautiful treehouse setting,” she shared. “It was a property ready to be rediscovered. The potential was immediate and compelling, and we felt a responsibility to guide it toward its next chapter.”
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Above The entrance of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
The entrance of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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For House of Rolison, the three core values of restraint, warmth and timelessness guide their design philosophy. Each project is built to evolve with the homeowners over time, reflecting their travels, memories, and personalities in a way that turns the home into a companion on their life's journey. There is no trend-chasing to be found here; instead, the designers reflected on the home’s distinctive character while infusing a sense of 21st-century functionality.
Rather than demolishing the site, they maintained its original structure while drawing inspiration from neoclassical European architecture. For Leigh, cities like Paris and Vienna “had a quiet grandeur and symmetry we wanted to echo.” To reinforce the Los Angeles home’s neoclassical silhouette, they incorporated a crown detailing. Inside, they aimed to infuse some of the laidback Californian spirit, rebuilding it entirely from the antique arched door sourced from Pasadena Architectural Salvage. “This sets the tone right away, creating a foyer with proportions that feel like they could have always been part of the house,” said Leigh.
Above The living room of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
The living room of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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The focal point of the main living area is the fireplace, complemented by a panel wall that adds unexpected depth and character. Glass walls frame a cinematic view of the surrounding hills, as well as the pool and garden. Some of Leigh’s favourite pieces can be found in the main living area, with pieces sourced from Olive Atelier adding grounding warmth to the entertaining space. In particular, the custom brown velvet chairs and reupholstered vintage iron island stools add clean architectural accents to the space. “Everything is chosen to create rhythm and calm; if something does not add character or comfort, it does not stay,” shared Leigh.
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Above The kitchen and dining area of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
Above The kitchen of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
The kitchen and dining area of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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Still, Leigh’s favourite room in the home has to be the kitchen. Establishing itself with an inviting, tactile atmosphere, it effortlessly fulfils its role as the heart of the home. Balancing between dark cabinetry and bright marble, the space creates visual drama and unexpected moodiness, reflecting a balance between the Los Angeles home’s neoclassical roots and the demands of a modern lifestyle.
The pool and garden area of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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Stepping outdoors, the lower terrace leads to a pool and fire pit, beside which stand the outdoor kitchen and cedar sauna. For Leigh, “the entire area is designed as an extension of the interior, creating a seamless daily flow between cooking, lounging and unwinding.” This adaptable layout and natural colour palette work in conjunction with Southern California’s climate, retaining significant use throughout the sunny, warm weather throughout the year. As the home stands over time, the stones on the home’s exterior will take on more of the Vienna-inspired patina that the designers originally drew them in.
The primary bedroom of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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Entering the more private spaces, both designers and developers agree that the primary suite is the Los Angeles home’s primary achievement. Designed to be a sanctuary in the home, it even features its own fireplace, soaking tub and steam shower, with O’Connor describing the space as offering “a level of calm that feels intentional in every detail.” The primary bathroom also features a rich brown palette and arched opening that frames the soaking tub, adding a touch of luxury to the space.
Within the primary bedroom, Leigh’s artwork, The Diver, adds a touch of the designer’s personality to the space. Another artwork, The Drifter, stands in the stairwell, reflecting a scale and colouring designed for the sightlines of the home. Within the home office, such original works mix well with curated vintage pieces like Slim Aarons photographs and a Daniel Yocum piece, which create layers of visual interest without overwhelming the architecture.
Above The secondary bedroom of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
Above The secondary bedroom of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
The secondary bedroom of a Los Angeles, California home renovated by House of Rolison
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The secondary bedrooms also reflect the homeowners’ love of entertaining family and friends, shifting to accommodate the rhythms of their daily living. That sense of collaboration with the homeowners was essential to the project, turning the home into an ecosystem of art, memories and rituals as time goes on. This is further reflected in the team’s approach to sustainability, with their usage of natural materials that rely on light, ventilation and flow to keep the home a harmonious blend of preservation and evolution.
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Credits
Photography: Nils Timm
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
